Garden centres have long been hubs of inspiration and knowledge, where customers can seek expert advice on everything from plant care to garden design. Yet, as highlighted by Ross Dyke in the latest episode of The Underground Podcast, the sector faces a pressing challenge: experienced horticultural staff are retiring, and with them, decades of expertise are leaving the industry.
This growing knowledge gap poses significant risks for garden centres, including diminished customer trust and reduced sales. However, it also presents an opportunity to innovate and create a more sustainable model for retaining and regenerating expertise.
At WrightObara, we understand the importance of preserving expertise. Our work with Evergreen Garden Care on the Evergreen Academy, a retail staff training platform, demonstrated how the right tools and resources can empower staff to deliver exceptional customer service. Drawing on our experience producing and directing over 100 educational videos covering growing media, plant feeding, lawn maintenance, and weed control, we see this challenge as an opportunity for the garden industry to grow stronger.
The Challenge: Expertise on the Brink of Retirement
Ross Dyke aptly noted that many skilled horticulturists are nearing retirement, and without proactive steps, their wealth of knowledge will be lost. For garden centres, this knowledge gap affects:
- Customer experience: Shoppers value expert advice, and without it, they may turn to competitors or online resources.
- Industry credibility: Garden centres have traditionally been seen as trusted sources of expertise. Losing this reputation could weaken their role in the gardening community.
- Staff training: New employees may struggle to provide the same level of service without robust training and access to expertise.
Solutions: Retaining and Regenerating Knowledge
Drawing on our insights from the Evergreen Academy, here are actionable ways the garden sector can tackle this challenge:
1. Invest in Digital Training Platforms
Online training tools like the Evergreen Academy demonstrate how technology can bridge the gap between experienced staff and newcomers. By creating accessible, engaging, and visually rich resources, garden centres can:
- Provide consistent training across multiple locations.
- Capture and document the expertise of retiring staff.
- Equip employees with the knowledge they need to serve customers confidently.
Action Point: Develop a digital training platform that covers essential topics like plant care, seasonal gardening, and sustainable practices.
2. Create Mentorship and Knowledge-Sharing Programs
Experienced staff can play a pivotal role in training the next generation. Establishing mentorship programs allows veteran employees to share their insights while remaining actively involved in the business.
Action Point: Pair retiring staff with new hires to ensure hands-on knowledge transfer, supported by digital resources for consistency.
3. Offer Apprenticeships and In-House Training
Partnering with organisations like the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) or local colleges to create apprenticeships can attract young talent and build a pipeline of skilled employees. In-house training programs can complement this by focusing on specific business needs.
Action Point: Introduce apprenticeship schemes and in-house workshops tailored to the needs of garden centres, combining hands-on training with online learning modules.
4. Leverage Video Content for Training
Video is a powerful tool for training, offering a dynamic way to communicate complex ideas. With WrightObara’s experience producing over 100 videos for the Evergreen Academy, we’ve seen how impactful this medium can be in upskilling staff and retaining knowledge.
Action Point: Create a library of training videos featuring experienced staff sharing their expertise, from plant identification to troubleshooting pest problems.
5. Retain Experienced Employees Longer
Flexible working arrangements can help retain older employees who may not want full-time roles but are willing to mentor or provide advice. Recognising and celebrating their contributions can also foster loyalty.
Action Point: Develop part-time roles or consulting positions for retiring staff, allowing them to remain active in knowledge-sharing capacities.
A Holistic Approach: Combining Technology and People
While technology like digital training platforms and video content can play a crucial role, it’s equally important to focus on fostering personal connections. Mentorship programs, in-store workshops, and apprenticeship schemes ensure that the human element of expertise is never lost.
WrightObara’s Role in Supporting the Sector
Through our work with Evergreen Garden Care on the Evergreen Academy, WrightObara has seen first-hand how strategic investment in training can transform the way knowledge is shared. Producing over 100 educational videos for retail staff gave us unique insight into how to balance technical content with accessibility, ensuring that both new hires and seasoned professionals benefit.
We believe this model can be adapted across the garden sector to address the current knowledge gap and prepare for the future.
A Call to Action: Grow the Future Together
The expertise within garden centres is one of their greatest assets, and it’s vital to protect and nurture it. By investing in training, mentorship, and technology, the garden sector can preserve its reputation as a trusted source of knowledge while empowering the next generation of horticultural experts.
The time to act is now. Let’s work together to retain and regenerate the expertise that makes garden centres the heart of the gardening community.
Want to learn more? Listen to the full episode of The Underground Podcast, where Ross Dyke and Lee Connelly discuss the future of expertise in the garden sector.